Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku Lead Zimbabwe Attack in Sharjah T20I

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza elected to bowl first in the opening T20I of a three-match series against Afghanistan in Sharjah on October 27, 2026. The decision yielded immediate results as a revamped bowling attack, featuring debutant Ernest Masuku, helped bowl Afghanistan out for 177 in 19.5 overs.

Newman Nyamhuri was the standout performer for the visitors, recording figures of 4 for 31 in 3.5 overs. Nyamhuri’s clinical display at the death ensured Afghanistan could not fully capitalize on a late-innings surge, as he consistently found the blockhole to dismantle the lower order.

made an immediate impact by taking two wickets in his first spell.

Masuku’s Instant Impact on Debut

With frontline pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani ruled out of the contest due to a hamstring niggle, Ernest Masuku was handed his T20I debut. Masuku justified his selection during his opening spell. Bowling the third over of the match, the seamer struck twice to remove Afghanistan’s openers and put the batting side on the defensive early.

Zimbabwe also welcomed Ben Curran back into the T20I starting XI. The opening batter, brother of England’s Sam and Tom Curran, returned to the lineup as Zimbabwe sought to establish a more stable top order.

Afghanistan was bowled out for 177 after a disciplined display from the Zimbabwe bowlers.

Ahmadzai Leads Afghan Resistance

While Zimbabwe controlled the early and late stages of the innings, Ijaz Ahmadzai provided significant resistance for Afghanistan. Ahmadzai struck a blistering 52 runs off just 22 deliveries, injecting momentum into an innings that had stuttered after Masuku’s early breakthroughs.

His aggressive approach briefly threatened to take the game away from the Zimbabwean bowlers before Nyamhuri returned to stem the flow of runs. Afghanistan’s total of 177 represents a competitive target at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, though they will be disappointed at failing to bat out their full 20-over allocation.

The post Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku Lead Zimbabwe Attack in Sharjah T20I appeared first on World Weekly News.